Mirtazapine and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Cre...
• December 24, 2019

For Anxiety "I wanted to leave a review in the hopes of helping someone similar to me. 7 years I suffered with anxiety on and off, the last year has been unbearable! I suffered with extreme anxiety attacks over the silliest of things, I would be physically sick! I went a week without eating and constantly being sick, I was really low to the point of thinking I’d be better off not being here, I went to the doctors and was given sertraline which made me worse, I then tried citalopram which did help with my mood but didn’t help with the extreme anxiety, I was about to give up but my doctor suggested mirtazapine 15mg, I can’t explain the relief I feel! Side effects were drowsy in a morning, sleep like a baby, constipation, which lactulose solves and weight gain, but they soon wore off, for me this drug has given me my life back, I can now cope with any situation, for anyone suffering, please don’t give up, the right medication for you is out there."

• Dav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 5, 2020

Mirtazapine for Depression "I really like this medication. I'd always been wary of antidepressants because of the well-known side effects, but being an SSRI, I gave this one a shot. Never looked back. Gained maybe 8 pounds, but you can't tell because I look and feel so much healthier and happier. Little to no side effects other than that 8 pounds, I can finally sleep again. Woke up a little dizzy in the morning for the first 2 or 3 weeks, but it doesn't happen anymore. You probably won't ever forget to take it, and you won't be able to sleep without it once you're on it, but my quality of life is so much higher I don't mind."

• Bet...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 5, 2022

For Insomnia "I have been on 15mg at bedtime for 10 years. I take this with 10 mg of Lexapro. I tried countless medications to help with crippling GAD. I was not able to sleep, lost a lot of weight, cried all the time. It was a horrible year and a half. I am 60 and have been this for 10 years. It is true all meds work differently on everyone. Just don't give up hope finding a combination that works. You will find it! It also helps to find a support group if you can so you know you are not alone. Never think for a moment God has abandoned you. You will be able to help someone and bring hope to someone else. It is so hard but keep trying to find what works for you."

• Iwa...
• February 2, 2020

For Insomnia "I had anxiety and started taking Escitalopram 2 months ago. I knew it would take about 4 weeks for it to work. I also knew that my anxiety could first get worse before getting better. But I started experiencing severe insomnia. I used Lorazepam for a week, Ambien for 2 weeks. But those medications would help me sleep only for a couple of hours. My doctor prescribed Mirtazapine 7.5mg, but I decided to try a lower dose 3.75mg. That was the first night in about a month that I slept through the night. I took Mirtazapine for 3 weeks. I enjoyed my sleep and I loved my dreams. I did not have an increased appetite, but my appetite did improve with my overall condition. I did not put on any weight as I was watching it after reading multiple reviews here. I stopped taking Mirtazapine a few days ago without any problems at all. And I still sleep very well at nights because the Escitalopram started working and I am not having anxiety anymore. Mirtazapine is a miracle drug for insomnia. Saved me."

• Ano...
• December 28, 2019

For Depression "Taking mirtazapine also for major panic disorder and PTSD, major depressive disorder for over a decade, have tried 6-7 different antidepressants. On the mirtazapine I am significantly happier, panic attacks decreased to 1 every month if not every other month, or every few months, and even when I'm on my cycle. Panic disorder and depression were incredibly debilitating, so I didn't sleep at all since. When I was put on this, I am able to sleep through peacefully every night fully through to each morning. I highly recommend taking this with a snack or food if you have a sensitive stomach as this may cause nausea. First few weeks, had a hard time waking up every morning, irritable for the first few months. I eat more on this medication, but it's fine with me. This medication is not a cure-all, I still have my bad days here and there, but my good days override my bad ones. Have faith, stay on the medication for a bit. I wish you all the best, support and love if you are taking this and it is hard for you. You got this."

• Mir...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 6, 2019

Mirtazapine for Depression "Prior to taking mirtazapine/Remeron, I had been on most SSRI and SNRI type drugs. I had chronic depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. Before taking Mirtazapine, I was starting to think all these drugs were a joke or a big con. I also didn't realize how ill I was until I started Mirtazapine, it's been a revelation! The first month, I went manic and had a few side effects. Since then, I've had the first three years of my life without any major episodes. My insomnia has basically disappeared, and I sleep like clockwork 2 hours after taking 30 mg. I can't describe just how grateful I am, it's not just changed my mood but also my whole frame of reference and outlook. It's something akin to changing the color of a lens on a camera, where once everything looked dark, now everything looks bright. Anxiety is the one area where it's been a help but has not solved the problem completely. My anxiety has improved, but I'm still trying to find a med that targets panic attacks and anxiety disorder."

• Hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2025

For Anxiety "I have been happy and laid-back all my life, and a low iron deficiency caused severe anxiety, insomnia, and depression. I tried natural supplements and meditation, etc., but found myself asking the GP for help. I'm only on day 9, so I can't yet comment on serotonin levels, but I haven't had a panic attack, felt anxious, or been depressed since taking them! I too was searching the Internet looking at reviews and only taking on the bad ones, and I can say that after the first dose, I woke up feeling very strange and hated it but pushed through because now I feel more human again, and I can slowly feel my mood getting better, and I'm very early on. Don't be put off by the negative reviews, like I was - if you feel like I did, you've got nothing to lose, and I promise you it will get better."

• ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 20, 2014

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was on Remeron for about 2 years before. Helped very much with my depression. But although I often felt very sleepy near the beginning of the treatment, the massive fatigue eventually subsided to an acceptable level. 20 mins after taking it, I'm ready for bed. I can't keep my eyes open no matter what. I just restarted Remeron two days ago after more than a year being on it. As I type this, I feel fogged over, sort of sleepy, and immensely 'munchie'. As before when I took it, I'd find myself waking up several times a night going to raid the fridge and cabinets for munchie or sweet foods (and meats! definitely craved meat all the time). So again, on Remeron: eating again, sleeping some, more relaxed, less sad."

• UK ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2016

For Anxiety "Was juggling a family, 30hr p/t job & uni full-time, whilst dealing with immediate relatives that were either ill or dying. Needless to say, I hit rock bottom, was underweight & felt like I was walking the 'Green Mile'! I can only describe the feeling as if my body was running on 'flight' mode. Clearly, the extra adrenaline was needed as I was being pulled from pillar to post with deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. It got too much. No appetite, constant weight of despair on my chest, insomnia, and endless worry. After a week of taking Mirt, the anxieties disappeared as did the despair. Felt normal but not in a drugged-up way. Was able to sleep/wake well and focus."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 11, 2019

Mirtazapine for Depression "Terrible! Never again. I gained 13 pounds, and I'm normally a small person. You gain every few months. I felt like I was in a fog the whole time with no personality, and I didn't realize it until I got off. I refused to gain more weight and told them I'm getting off it. They told me to just stop taking it. DON'T! I did since they said to, and my anxiety spiked to a 10, and after a few weeks, I had a nervous breakdown. I also had insomnia for months and slept maybe 2-3 hours a night for the first two weeks until I said put me back on so I can wean myself off safely - the right way. It's been about 5 months off, and I still have insomnia, which could be lifelong. No one told me I would be addicted to this med."

• Rus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2019

For Insomnia "I've been taking mirtazapine for at least 2 years, and it helps me sleep. I cut the 15 mg tablets into 1/8ths and take only that much each night (therefore, less than 2 mg). When I have severe anxiety or am overly worried, I still have an occasional night of not sleeping, but I don't take more meds, I just deal with it and am back to normal the next night or so. Mirtazapine has helped me immensely because when I have insomnia, my depression worsens, and I function poorly."

• bum...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 25, 2025

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was diagnosed with OCD (aged 17) and PTSD (aged 26) and have previously been prescribed Sertraline, Citalopram, and Propranolol, all of which caused multiple side effects, including nausea, insomnia, numbness, acid reflux, and headaches, and often caused an increase in depressive symptoms. After several years of managing symptoms (and struggling) through holistic approaches, I decided to take one last attempt at medication. After speaking with my GP about my issues with panic, night terrors, and obsessive thoughts, I was prescribed Mirtazapine (15mg) in August 2023. I was advised to take the medication 2-3 hours before I go to bed to aid with sleep and to avoid feeling 'numb' during the day. The effects on my sleep were instantaneous. It took 2-3 weeks for the medication to begin to help with other symptoms. Eighteen months on, I feel less panicky, and my intrusive thoughts have reduced. Main side effects: grogginess in the morning, frequent urination, occasional bloating."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 23, 2025

For Insomnia "I was on Remeron 15 mg, but would take 7.5 for sleeping. I would get brain fog during the day, so I slowly weaned off of it by taking tiny quarters and then tiny bites. I could not sleep for a week! Only about 3 hours a night. I was struggling with work and laid around when I wasn't working because I had no energy. I tried melatonin and Tylenol PM, with no success. Last night I gave in and took a tiny bite of Remeron, and after 5 minutes my brain relaxed, and I fell asleep for 8 hours!! OK, I admit it, I have to take it to sleep, even though you are not supposed to take it as a sleep aid. I never want to feel sleep deprivation again! It was the worst feeling ever!"

• ral...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2012

Mirtazapine for Depression "I started on Remeron 15mg per day. I started to feel somewhat better at two weeks. Went up to 30mg at that point. After being on 30mg for about a week, I felt significantly better. I've gained a few pounds, around 4, so that's not too bad. It did not help with sleep. I experienced insomnia for 3-4 days after starting or changing the dose. Also, had some difficulty with thinking clearly for a few days after changing the dosage. I have severe Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). I believe Remeron will really assist me. I feel like I'm on a good path. I particularly appreciate the absence of sexual side effects."

• Pop...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 25, 2015

Mirtazapine for Depression "The first time my doctor prescribed this medication, I ate 2 whole large pizzas, a family-sized lasagna, 2 sandwiches, and some desserts all in one sitting. The day after, I decided to get off of it. I then realized I couldn't sleep very well and I had some depression, which otherwise, at the time, nothing else was helping me cope with besides my Buspar/Klonopin. Thus, I continued my dosage of 15mg. It is true, at least for me, the lower dosage is higher sedating of the medication. Once I figured out a way of controlling the 1-2 hour boost of what seemed like an infinite metabolism, I felt awesome, if only for a short while, then immediate beauty sleep followed. I definitely recommend this to anyone with sleep problems."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2019

For Depression "Wow! It is a miracle pill for me. It took me out of a deep, dark hole. I took it for 3 months at a 15 mg dosage, then 7.5 mg for a few weeks, and that's it. It helped me a lot to come back on track. I had major depression, and because of that, I was not able to sleep full nights. I was very much sleep-deprived, which increased my depression too much. I was going through a super bad phase. My nights passed tossing and turning in bed. Mirtazapine helped me a lot in sleeping, which slowly cured my depression. Remember, guys, better sleep helps in curing depression. I recommend giving it a try for a few months, starting at a low dosage. Thanks. Bless you all, dear brothers and sisters."

• Amb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 5, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on mirtazapine for just over a year now, and it has done wonders for my mental health. I have struggled with anxiety and depression since my early teens, and this has worked wonders. I definitely noticed an increase in my appetite, so I have gained a bit of weight, but it's worth the mental stability. I'm on 30 mg a day, I started on 15 mg, but this wasn't a high enough dose. The only thing I'd note is that going off this cold turkey is a terrible idea. I missed a week because of a mistake on my doctor's behalf, and the withdrawals were terrible. I had the sweats, couldn't sleep, barely ate, and my depressed and anxious thoughts came back really strongly. Luckily, after three days of being back on it, I'm starting to feel better. Overall, I'm so happy this medication has worked for me and brought back a quality of life I'd been missing for years."

• Ams...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2019

For Insomnia "Destroyed my life. Got it because of insomnia/burnout. Side effects came on slowly, so I didn’t understand it was the drug and not me. Became very depressed, couldn’t get out of bed, loss of memory, loss of concentration, more and more anxiety, panic attacks, derealization, depersonalization, hallucinations, nightmares, heart palpitations, problems with my teeth, change of personality, loss of empathy, confusion, loss of identity, crying all the time, racing thoughts... Got always told these are symptoms of my depression, which I didn’t have. Was so deeply in this drug trip that I didn’t understand what was happening to me."

• str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 23, 2014

For Anxiety "I've been on Remeron for 3 weeks now, and I feel somewhat better. I could not take other antidepressants because they made me a ton more anxious and out of it, like I wanted to crawl out of my skin. I've had a really tough time the last year and a half, and I'm hoping that this works for me. The only problem I'm having is I just can't seem to wake up in the morning, and I'm still feeling very lethargic all day. I'm very sensitive to all medications, so I have to move up very slowly. I just moved up to 18.75 mg, and I'm still really tired, and I have a hard time functioning during the day. My doctor said he is going to slowly move me up to 30mg. I guess I am just wondering if anyone else out there has gone through the same thing I am going through."

• Len...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2020

For Insomnia "I have low mood, anxiety, and insomnia. 15 mg of mirtazapine has really helped with my insomnia and anxiety. Mood is better but not brilliant. I have no intention of stopping this medication as really good overall improvement. It’s taken as suggested till 4 weeks to get overall benefits. Would 30 mg improve my mood further? But reduce sleep benefit? Thanks."

• Swe...
• January 17, 2016

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "My experience with Remeron is short. It worked wonders for me, but I stopped it as it causes awful weight gain. 21 pounds in 4 weeks. I looked pregnant. It made me more depressed. I would just eat. It does something to your brain that makes you feel as though you are never full. At night, I would sneak food. I could not stop. I was at 30mg. I've heard 15 mg is worse for weight gain. Also, this drug is also given to elderly patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and also given to people with eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia). As I said, in one respect, it did wonders for me with anxiety and depression and stopped the voices in my head and helped me sleep. But I couldn't go through gaining any more weight."

• Gia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2020

Mirtazapine for Insomnia "Remeron helps with sleep in the short term, 7-10 days, but then will act as an antidepressant long term. It works best for sleep in low doses like 7.5 mg. I’m trying to wean myself off Ativan, and Remeron acts as a very good sleep agent for the short term. I'm still on SSRI Celexa at 30 mg for depression. Here’s an article explaining this."

• C B...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2024

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Remeron due to having the additional complications of low appetite and increasing insomnia in major depressive disorder. I would sometimes be unable to sleep or completely lose interest in eating. I do not have the option to ignore food because I actually get hunger signals again. In the past month, after three months on this drug, something happened for the first time in nearly a decade: I had dreams multiple nights in a row. I have gone from dreams being completely absent in my sparse, unsatisfying sleep to having a dream every night for the past four weeks. I only began taking antidepressants on top of seeking therapy because I had become entirely unable to sleep for more than two hours a day, and while I had begun getting more sleep than I had gotten since beginning college, I now actually sleep seven to eight hours a night and have my long-lost dreams back. I didn’t realize how badly I missed dreaming until it returned."

• med...
• September 7, 2018

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have taken this med for over 2 years. I've been suffering from insomnia, anxiety, and depression my whole life. I found that nothing could help. Every night I tossed and turned, waking up every 2 hours. The first night I took this, like magic, I slept a whole night without waking up. And every night since then it has worked. However, BEWARE, it will make you binge eat. You have NO control over it. Studies say weight gain from this med only affects like 15% of people. Use look at the reviews on here and across the internet–it's more like 90%. I've always been skinny, and I put on 14 pounds within a month of starting it. I quit for a week, which made me extremely depressed and unable to sleep, but I immediately lost all the weight. But I was so depressed, it hurt, so I got back on it. That's why I give this a 7, it's a conundrum, it helps so much with insomnia/depression/anxiety, but it makes you FAT. Don't try this med unless you've tried ALL other SSRIs and sleep meds."

• ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2012

For Anxiety "I was on Citalopram for a year because of my clinical depression, and it did help, but it didn't do much for anxiety as I have social anxiety disorder. My doctor prescribed Mirtazapine, and I responded to it, and my anxiety symptoms have diminished. I used to get very nauseous, have a loss of appetite, and suffer from insomnia because of my anxiety, but Mirtazapine pretty much did the job. I'm pleased that I finally got the right medication!"